For the most part, law enforcement across Montana does a decent job at preventing and solving crimes. Like all humans though, police officers are not perfect.
If you’re unlucky, you may catch a police officer when they’re having a bad day. Or, perhaps they got into the job for the wrong reasons, such as wielding their power over others. How should you respond to an abrasive police officer?
Be courteous
It can be extremely difficult to remain calm when you’ve been singled out for no good reason, but it’s important to do so. The officer might realize that they have nothing on you, so they may try to provoke an aggressive response. You don’t have to rise to this. Remain calm and courteous during the course of the interaction.
You don’t have to say anything
Under the Fifth Amendment, you are protected from being coerced into making self-incriminating statements. Other than providing officers with information about your identity, you do not have to say anything. Again, you don’t need to be rude about this, but it is your right and it is a right that is worth asserting.
Be patient
Just because you don’t get mad at the time or say anything, this doesn’t mean that you cannot eventually take action. Law enforcement should be held accountable for their actions. If misconduct or fabricated evidence can be proved in court, then the case against you will be weakened significantly.
As you build your defense strategy with a knowledgeable support network, you can raise any unprofessionalism shown by law enforcement. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty.
